The Oliveto castle, really more a fortified villa than a castle, was built in 1424 on the top of a hill dominating the inner valley of the Pescaiola stream, tributary of the river Elsa, by the Florentine nobleman Puccio Pucci, to protect his properties and to be used as country residence or refuge in case of politic bitterness in Florence.
The castle is, beyond the real necessities of the time, endowed by moats, stone walls and towers, so it can look like a building of the previous century and not of the Renaissance.
Many architectonic elements make this look stronger: the Guelph's battlements of the walled curtains (with a wall walk from which is possible to dominate the surroundings), the four imposing crenellated angle towers, (among them stand out the torre dell’orologio - clock tower), the outer ward from which, passing through a beautiful arched portal, we can access the inner ward of the Villa enriched by an open gallery and the chapel.

The inner ward contains a well that in origin was a secret way to escape from the castle: it is joined with a underground gallery that takes at the bottom of the valley.
As a matter of fact the aspect of the castle, almost entirely built in red bricks, is of a classic rectangular shaped medieval fortified enclosure.
Still under construction, Oliveto was besieged from some unleashed soldier of fortune squads. It was also sacked and occupied during the war between Florence and Siena (until 1480).

During the war of the Florentine Republic against the Imperial troops, 1529-1530, Oliveto was a stronghold of the Emperor party.

In 1850 the property of the castle passed from the Pucci to the Guicciardini family.

Oliveto was still in the heat of a battle in July 1944. During withdrawal of the Wehrmacht toward the river Arno, the castle was defended by the 29. Panzer Grenadier Division and seat of 71° Regiment. Today the castle play the central role in an important farm holiday, wine and oil production estate.
https://www.castellitoscani.com

Oliveto Castle

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The Sonnino Castle
Castle of Sonnino it is located twenty kilometers from Florence, and is an important historical reality that has always had a primary socio-economic role in its territory, Chianti Montespertoli.

Composed of various architectural annexes, whose oldest nucleus dates back to the XIIth century.

It is from the beginning of the 800 owned by the Baroni de Renzis Sonnino.

It is possible to visit the monumental cellars, the vinsantaia and the orciaia, you can taste our wines and oils, eat in the inn of the Castle, where recipes of the Tuscan rural tradition are proposed.

Organize cooking courses in the villa with the family cook.

Furthermore, you can visit the tower, the fortified court, the representative rooms, the historical library and l 'archive of Baron Sidney Sonnino, Which was Prime Minister during the First World War and that contain all the documents like those of the Versailles conference and then relics, photographs and a large documentation on the Risorgimento of Italy.

There are three perfectly restored apartments created within the old structures that can accommodate up to eighteen people.

We organize conferences and history lessons (see "Tasting the History"), using the documents of the historical archive and the archive of thefarm which dates back to the early years of 800 and documents how life in the Tuscan countryside was.

In the last three years we have developed a project that sees Castello Sonnino as a place of study for the themes of environmental sustainability, agriculture, conservation and restoration of historical and cultural heritage, hospitality, Resilience.

We belong to the "Houses of Memory".

We collaborate with US, Canadian and Italian universities where we host students and professors.

History
Castello Sonnino is located twenty kilometers from Florence, and is an important historical reality that has always had a primary socio-economic role in its territory, Chianti Montespertoli.

Composed of various architectural annexes, whose oldest nucleus dates back to the XIIth century.

It is from the beginning of the 800 owned by the Baroni de Renzis Sonnino.

The agricultural activity that has always existed in recent years has focused on the production and marketing of wine and oil, combining research and tradition.

Forty-five hectares of vineyard produce the grapes from which the five red wines based on Sangiovese are born, a famous Vin Santo, regional excellence and the extra-virgin olive oil that is part of the Consorzio del Laudemio.
https://www.dimorestoricheitaliane.it

The Sonnino Castle

Castello di Poppiano was built around the turn of the first millennium and was probably a fortress for the defense around Florence. It has been in the Guicciardini family for nine centuries. This castello was connected to some events in Florence's history. Castello di Poppiano was linked with various events in the history of Florence. For example, the castello was damaged during a siege in Florence which was reported by the historian Francesco Guicciardini in his memoir.
The castello went under renovation when an earthquake severely damaged it in 1812. Although the authenticity of the castello has remained in the frescoes in the other residences of the Guicciardini family in Val di Pesa and Val d'Elsa. They have created some new clones of Sangiovese in a project called "Chianti Futuro" in collaboration with the Consorzio Chianti and Chianti Colli Fiorentini. Most of the vineyards are planted with Sangiovese, the main traditional grape of Chianti, with a contribution of Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah. The unique and fascinating "Vinsantaia" (the Vinsanto winery) with its chestnut and oak "caratelli" (the typical vinsanto barrels), is housed in the Torre Grande (Main Tower) of the Castle.

The Vinsanto is very particular. I bought some after I tasted it and was blown away. Normally, I never drink Vinsanto, but now I really love it. The olive oil is a very special taste as well. The oil mill is still in its original location at the castle, but it has been repeatedly updated throughout the years. The family believes that for quality it is mandatory that they keep the whole production process under their own control.


A great place to stop if you are driving through Tuscany. I recommend it!

https://www.charmingitaly.com

Castello di Poppiano

Castello di Montegufoni History
The Castle of Montefugoni is located in the Chianti area, not far from Florence and in a perfect position to reach Pisa, Siena, Arezzo and San Gimignano. Built in the post-Carolingian period by the noble family of the Ormanni family mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy.

In 1135, the Florentines attacked the castle for the first time, attempting to raze it to the ground. The building was left in ruins until the thirteenth century when it became property of the Acciaioli family, in the person of Gugliarello Acciaioli. His descendants grew enormously thanks to the bank they owned and towards the end of the 13th century, Montegufoni has now become a complex consisting of the central building and seven smaller buildings surrounded by walls: the so-called seven old villas of the ancestral castle of Montegufoni mentioned in an inscription of the castle.

In 1310 Niccolò Acciaioli was born here in a room of the castle, later transformed into a chapel. He later became the Great Seneschal of the Kingdom of Naples and a close friend of Boccaccio and Petrarch. In 1348, the king of Naples Luigi di Taranto, removed from his reign following the conflict with the King of Hungary, took refuge with his prime minister in Montegufoni. He used to banquet with the bishop Angelo Acciaiuoli in the Banquets hall, which overlooks the part of the castle, now called the Cortile dei Duchi.

In 1386 by Donato Acciaioli, a person who possessed the titles of Duke of Athens, Senator of Rome and Gonfalonier of the Republic of Florence, the tower was built that still dominates the castle. In 1396, Donato was banned from Florence, but his assets were saved from his cardinal brother's confiscation. The three sons of Donato resided at the Court of Athens until one of them, Agnolo di Jacopo, returned to Montegufoni with his son (the Duke Francesco) and his cousin (it is in that period that the appellative Court of the Dukes).

In 1546, another Donato restored the tower on the model of the Tower of Arnolfo of the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence and built the arms room (today called the Gallery) and in this period Montegufoni became the meeting point of many Florentine artists. In 1612, Cosimo II de 'Medici was invited to Montegufoni.

Around 1650, Donato with his wife Anna Maria Altoviti restored the whole castle, giving it the appearance that it still maintains, connecting the seven buildings until then distinct. The castle continues to be one of the most celebrated haunts of Florentine high society throughout the seventeenth century and also during the eighteenth century, until the economic decline of the Acciaioli family, who sells it to the Baracchi family.

In 1909, Sir George Sitwell, an eccentric Englishman, falls in love with the splendid structure of Montegufoni and decides to buy it in the name of his son Sir Osbert Sitwell. After becoming its owner Sitwell begins to enrich and beautify the castle. In 1922 he called to decorate the castle Gino Severini, who created a series of frescoes.

During the Second World War, to prevent them from being stolen, works of art were hidden in Montegufoni such as the Adoration of the Magi by Domenico Ghirlandaio, the Primavera by Sandro Botticelli and the Madonna di Ognissanti by Giotto.

Sir Osbert Sitwell lived there until 1969 when he died and in 1972 he was finally bought by the current owners, the Posarelli family, who began to restore it to make it a luxurious vacation spot.

The Castle of Montefugoni is located in the middle of a vast estate cultivated with vineyards and olive trees, harmoniously integrating itself into nature in perfect balance between architecture and landscape. After passing the majestic facade, the central courtyard immediately transmits a sense of severe austerity, but soon passing through the halls illuminated by the large windows, in the sloping gardens, in the sequence of rooms, one lives a shining and delicate sense of life, until it flows, in the great eighteenth-century salon, in a more refined and light atmosphere.

The Castle offers a series of apartments and outbuildings within its walls, from different sizes but always very spacious, all furnished differently to meet the most varied tastes.

The hotel has an excellent restaurant where dishes from the rich Tuscan tradition are served, combining simplicity with quality and elegance.

A building with a refined charm, always the perfect setting for wedding ceremonies and events that remain etched over time: an experienced and qualified staff will be ready to offer a complete service and suggestions on every detail, from floral decorations to photographic services, from accompaniment musical to the rental of vintage cars, making an unforgettable day so special.

https://www.histouring.com

Castello di Montegufoni

Il Corno is an award winning vineyard and agriturismo specialising in Tuscan food and produce. It is a fully functioning farm and vineyard producing famous wine and olive oil. Combined with an-site Tuscan restaurant, two swimming pools and self contained accommodation, it is a wonderful way to experience La Dolce Vita, Italian style! It is perfectly situated in the Chianti countryside, yet only 25 minutes from Florence, 40 minutes from Siena and a similarly short drive from other beautiful towns like Panzano (with its world-famous butcher!), San Gimignano, Castellina in Chianti and many many more. Il Corno is the perfect place to discover the real Tuscany. 

https://www.itinari.com

Castello Il Corno

Castello di Pergolato. The Castle is a beautiful example of a Medieval Tuscan castle, set on a panoramic hill in the Chianti Classico area. Built by the Buondelmonti family on the foundations of a 10th century Roman settlement, the castle was converted to a villa in the 15th century. The Castle, now over 1000 years old, was recently restored by its present owners and transformed into a luxury holiday residence. Inside its fortified walls, guests can relax under the poolside loggia, or at the pool that is surrounded by a beautiful garden and offers a view over the whole valley and surrounding hills.
The Castle can host 19 people.
The Castle offers guests many service options. It can be rented as an accommodation only, for those who wish to dine out, or with restaurant and cleaning services that can be organized for those who want to dine in and enjoy the Castle to its fullest. It is requested that clients decide at the time of the booking if they will need cleaning or restaurant services.

http://accommodations.tuscanyall.com

Castello di Pergolato

Erected by the Cadolingi of Montecascioli, the Castle of Bibbione, in Chianti region, is documented in the very ancient manuscripts from the year 997 by the name of Castrum Bibionis. Surrounded by city walls, which in the past served as a final defence for its inhabitants, the Castle dominates a medieval village and ancient houses dot the slope of the hill. Its lands extend to below the Via Cassia and the Pesa River, between Florence and Siena.
The foundations of the Castle go back to the 9th century and the construction was completed in year 1000, while the first group of stone farmhouses dates back to the latter half of the 13th century.
In the Renaissance, the battlements were removed and the fortification was then transformed into a country residence.

A particularity of the Castle is the underground passage which winds its way for hundreds of meters down to the river plain. This secret passage, certainly used for supplies during the sieges, has only been explored in its first section.

In 1124, the new owners of the land, the Buondelmonti, restored the old ruined sentinel. Thus, Bibbione became one of the four Buondelmonti Castles, connected one to the other and constituting a quadrilateral in defence of the Pesa Valley: the Bibbione Castle, the Montefiridolfi Castle, the Pergolato and the S. Andrea ones at Fabbrica. Moreover, the Buondelmonti family had a small church, Santa Maria, built between the 12th and the 13th centuries next to the walls of the Castle. In the year 1142, they began the construction of the shelter of San Jacopo of the Calzaiuoli for the pilgrims. In 1469, the property was sold to Guido SforzaAldobrandeschi. 
In the year 1511, NiccolòMachiavelli (who possessed family estates about 6 km from Bibbione in Sant’Andrea in Percussina) bought the Castle and the farmland using it as a hunting lodge. The Machiavelli’s remained in possession of the complex until 1727, when the last heir, Francesco Machiavelli, died leaving his cousin, Giovanni Battista Rangoni, a Modenese noble descendent of the Machiavelli, heir to the name and inheritance, title and heraldic arms of Machiavelli who took on the name of Rangoni Machiavelli. The entire complex remains bound from 1913, and therefore, under the tutorship of the Superintendent of Culture, Environment and Architecture of Florence and Pistoia. The Marchioness Antonella Rangoni Machiavelli had personally saw to the renovation of the Castle and medieval village begun in 1985. Today the Castle of Bibbione is a beautiful farmhouse in Chianti, with pool and spa, near Florence.



Il Castello di Bibbione


La rocca di Montestaffoli è una rocca costruita nel XIV secolo nel comune di San Gimignano.
Storia
Il poggio di Montestaffoli era, nell'Alto Medioevo, sede di una rocca posseduta dal vescovo di Volterra, che aveva giurisdizione politica sull'insediamento. Qui era stato istituito un mercato che godeva di una fiorente economia, grazie agli scambi con le città vicine (San Gimignano era infatti all'incrocio tra la via Francigena, sull'asse nord-sud, e la via che congiungeva Pisa con Siena).

La zona di Montestaffoli venne lambita dalle due cerchie murarie, finché nel 1353 i fiorentini, ai quali i sangimignanesi avevano offerto la loro città in cambio di protezione dopo l'epidemia e la carestia del 1348, costruirono l'attuale rocca.

Andata in rovina durante gli anni del Granducato di Toscana, venne restaurata solo nel Novecento; restano solo le mura e sono andati persi tutti gli ambienti.

Da alcuni anni viene usata come luogo per rappresentazioni e concerti nella stagione estiva, e recentemente vi sono anche state installate alcune opere d'arte contemporanea.

Rocca di Montestaffoli 

Il castello di Montefiridolfi è una dimora signorile situata a Montefiridolfi, nel comune di San Casciano in Val di Pesa.
Storia
Le prime testimonianze, secondo cui apparteneva alla famiglia Buondelmonti sin dall'origine, risalgono al maggio 1015 quando è citato in un atto di donazione[1]. Il toponimo appare anche in un altro documento della Badia a Passignano del giugno 1065 ed in un documento della Badia a Coltibuono dove viene chiamato Montis filiorum Ridolfi; il documento risale al 9 novembre 1210.

Citato ancora come deposito di munizioni nel marzo 1480 in un documento dell'Archivio Ricasoli di Brolio, perse poi definitivamente ogni importanza strategico-militare.

La parziale trasformazione in villa fu voluta dalla famiglia Buondelmonti, i quali nel XVI secolo lo ridussero a centro della loro fattoria e lo possedettero fino al 1624, anno della morte senza eredi del cavaliere gerosolimitano frà Andrea di Battista Buondelmonti. Successivamente, per acquisto fattone in data 27 marzo 1639 da Cristofano Baldovinetti, appartenne ai Baldovinetti-Gambereschi "nel quale castello e villa vi è due colombaie, fattoio da olio, tinaia, più stale, due orti, due pozzi d'acqua pulita, prati attorno, et ogni altra comodità"[2], poi ai loro eredi, conti Gabellotti di Faenza, fino a quando, nel 1824, fu acquistato dalla famiglia Tempestini, che lo possedette fino al 1907 e da cui passò ai Kennedy Lawrie per via del matrimonio di Giulia Tempestini con un membro di quella famiglia. Dal 1908 al 1934 appartenne a don Lorenzo dei Principi Corsini marchese di Giovagallo. Oggi il corpo principale appartiene alla famiglia Rosselli Del Turco.

Architettura
Situato fuori dall'attuale abitato di Montefiridolfi vi si accede al termine di un piccolo viale di cipressi. Si presenta come una massiccia costruzione con gli angoli contraffortati.

Il castello, a pianta trapezoidale, è dotato all'interno di due cortili, oltre a quello della canonica parrocchiale, muniti ciascuno di un pozzo artesiano (che hanno dato origine ad una vecchia filastrocca popolare dal sapore di leggenda: "Monte montoro, entro tre pozzi un vitello d'oro"). I cortili inferiori furono realizzati quando la struttura cambiò di uso, da presidio militare a villa e fattoria. Sul cortile superiore è impostata la torre, probabilmente in origine isolata, che con i corpi circostanti aveva la funzione di cassero. La sua altezza fu notevolmente ridotta e la parte terminale venne intonacata.

Nel corpo dell'edificio si aprono pochissime aperture per lo più localizzate a livello del piano terra, quelle esterne realizzate quasi tutte in epoca moderna, dacché due lati del cassero costituivano parte della più ampia cinta muraria, che racchiudeva anche la parte destinata a villa, la chiesa di Santa Cristina e la canonica parrocchiale, oltre vari edifici minori.

Castello di Montefiridolfi 

Il castello di Fabbrica è una dimora signorile situata in località Fabbrica, nel comune di San Casciano in Val di Pesa, nella città metropolitana di Firenze.
Storia
L'edificio è costituito da una villa edificata sui resti di un castello la cui prima menzione risale a due documenti del 1013. Il castello era di proprietà della famiglia degli Scolari nel 1098, quando Uguccione degli Scolari lo donò al vescovo di Firenze. Nel 1269 alcune proprietà del castello furono danneggiate dai Ghibellini. Nel 1298 la proprietà apparteneva ancora al vescovo fiorentino, ma successivamente venne acquistato dai Buondelmonti, che all'interno del borgo di Fabbrica già possedevano delle abitazioni. La loro proprietà durò fino all'estinzione del casato nel XIX secolo.

Passo per eredità alla famiglia Rinuccini dai quali pervenne ai Corsini. Successivamente fu proprietà dei conti Piatti Del Pozzo e della famiglia Vicini. Oggi è sede di una azienda agricola.

Architettura
Un lungo viale di cipressi dà accesso alla villa. Fuori dalle mura del castello si notano numerose abitazioni che per la loro edificazione hanno usato materiale edilizio medievale.

La villa, posta al culmine di una salita, è costituita da un corpo centrale affiancato da due ali, una delle quali edificata dopo la seconda guerra mondiale. Di fronte all'edificio principale vi sono state edificate in epoca recente alcune costruzioni per uso di fattoria.

Tutta la sommità del colle, su cui è stata edificata la villa, è circondata da mura difensive, unica testimonianza del castello altomedievale. La parte posta sul lato della strada presenta una cortina muraria costituita da piccole pietre appena sbozzate. Sempre sullo stesso lato è ancora presente un torrione cilindrico costruito a cavallo delle mura. Un altro torrione era situato sul lato opposto ma fu distrutto durante l'ultima guerra.

Sul lato sud del complesso è situata la chiesa di Sant'Andrea.

Ai piedi del colle si vede il podere Mercatale, costituito da due case coloniche, che come rivela il toponimo era utilizzato come sede del mercato che i Buondelmonti avevano organizzato sulla piana del fiume Pesa.



Castello di Fabbrica

The Paneretta castle is situated in the Chianti Classico area on the western slopes of the dominating hills of the Elsa valley, looking towards San Gimignano.

It was built around an ancient sighting tower. The morning after the battle from Montaperti, the “Ghibellini” ordered to leave the castle of Cepparello in 1260. This place was an important suburb and fortress of this area. So the sighting tower becomes bigger and reaches its importance.

http://www.castellodellapaneretta.com

With its 309 hectares (majority wood) the Paneretta is one of the biggest farms of the area.